Apple wants you to set a number of security questions that will help identify you in the future.

In an effort to increase security for your Apple ID, Apple is forcing users to set a number of security questions and answers that will help “verify your identity in the future.” If you forget your password or your account is compromised, you will be asked to answer these questions to prove who you are.

With iTunes and the App Store booming in recent years, Apple IDs have inevitably become a target for scammers who want your account information either to obtain free music, movies, and software; or to purchase their own apps and generate cash. To fight this, Apple is introducing stronger security measures.

Try using iTunes or the App Store on your Mac or iOS device today and you’ll be prompted to create a number of security questions and answers, and set a backup email address to better protect your account. You’ll see a ‘Security Info Required’ message that looks like that in the screenshot above.

Once you have set your security questions, you’ll receive an email that reads:

Thank you.

You’ve taken the added security step and provided a rescue email address. Now all you need to do is verify that it belongs to you.

The rescue address you have given us is xxx@xxx.com. Just click the link below to verify, sign in using your Apple ID and password, then follow the prompts.

The rescue email address is dedicated your security and allows Apple to get in touch if any account questions come up, such as the need to reset or change your security questions. As promised, Apple will never send you any announcements or marketing messages to this address.

It all seems legitimate, but some users are concerned that this is a very clever phishing attempt that hopes to steal your Apple ID and personal information, with a number of threads from concerned users popping up on Apple’s Support Communities forum. However, it seems the request is genuinely from Apple.